Historic West Sussex Hotels: Swan of Fittleworth, The Spread Eagle

�It seems to be at the end of all things. The miles of road that one has travelled apparently have been leading nowhere but The Swan.�

And for those exploring the South Downs, the words of author E V Lucas are probably as true today as at any time during the 700 years of its existence. In fact, The Swan Inn�s origins are even earlier, standing where this particularly picturesque village�s first buildings would once have been - the name Fittleworth is derived from the name of a Saxon traveller, Fitela, and Weorth meaning �enclosure�.

During the 19th and 20th centuries Fittleworth - and the Swan Inn as its focal point - developed its enduring connections with art and music. Sir Edward Elgar, arguably England�s greatest composer, came to live locally in 1917 and is said to have enjoyed the hotel�s hospitality on many occasions. It is, however, its association with many great painters for which it is most renowned - a number of whom have left their work on the panelling of the inn�s Picture Room Restaurant.

It is almost certain John Constable stayed at The Swan - as other members of his family are known to have done - and probably in 1835 during the period in which he famously painted Fittleworth Mill. The author of many of English literature�s finest works - including The Jungle Book and inspiring poem, If - Rudyard Kipling, also added his name to the guest book while staying between July 6th and 9th 1901.

Royalty, Notoriety and Literature�s Big Guns.

It is unfortunate that England has lost many of the great coaching inns which existed along its ancient highways, but, thankfully, a fair number still remain. All have fascinating stories to tell, and the Spread Eagle is no exception.

Parts of the existing hotel date back as far as 1430, with the sheer age evident in places such as the lounge � warmed by grand fireplaces � and the room above which is reputed to have once accommodated Queen Elizabeth I.

It is also said to have been visited by William Shakespeare, with Charles Dickens and H G Wells also taking respite on their travels. However, its most notorious patron is reputed to have been none other than Guy Fawkes.

Avoid the new... The following may not necessarily be linked to famous figures or events, but all offer accommodation in historic surroundings. Click on the links for further tariff and availability information.

Alexander House and Utopia Spa. TURNERS HILL. The oldest part of this attractive four-star country hotel dates from the early seventeenth century. Expedia.co.uk

Amberley Castle. Nr ARUNDEL. Truly historic building offering four-star accommodation through 19 very individual rooms and suites.Expedia.co.uk

Gravetye Manor. Nr EAST GRINSTEAD. Set amid gardens cultivated by William Robinson (one of the finest gardeners in history) Gravetye Manor is an attractive stone house dating back to the Elizabethan period. Expedia.co.uk

Millstream Hotel, The. Nr CHICHESTER. A pretty country house dating from 1701. LateRooms

Ockenden Manor. CUCKFIELD. Set in nine acres of gardens, Ockenden Manor is a charming Elizabethan house dating back to 1520. Expedia.co.uk